11 surprising ways to use sugar without eating it

We use it every day but did you know just how versatile this kitchen staple was?

Here’s 11 awesome ways to use sugar in that aren’t food related. Do you have any others to add?

1. Soothe a burnt tongue

If you’ve just burnt your tongue, suck on a sugar cube or spoonful of sugar. It’ll feel better instantly.

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2. Make a body scrub

Sugar is a great exfoliant and you can make a simple one by mixing sugar with oil and gently rub on your skin. Rinse off in the shower.

3. Treat a wound

Research has found pouring granulated sugar on wounds before dressing killed the bacteria that prevents healing and causes chronic pain.

4. Smooth your cracked lips

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In winter it is so easy for the dry wind to make your lips sore. Make your own lip scrub at home by blending olive oil with caster sugar along with a touch of peppermint or vanilla extract. Massage and lick off.

5. Clean greasy hands

For extra greasy hands, add sugar to your soap lather to act as an abrasive. You can also use equal parts sugar and olive oil, which soothe and moisturise over-worked hands.

6. Make flowers last longer

Add three teaspoons of sugar and two tablespoons of white vinegar per cup of warm water for fresh-cut flowers. The sugar feeds the stems and the vinegar restricts the growth of bacteria.

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7. Kill cockroaches

Mix equal parts sugar and baking powder and sprinkle over areas of infestation. Sugar attracts the cockies and the baking powder exterminates them. Replace every two weeks.

8. Clean your coffee grinder

Sugar can clean coffee grinders and glass jugs by absorbing the stains. Pour 1/4 cup of sugar into the grinder and run it for 2-3 minutes. Dump out and wipe well.

9. Get rid of grass stains on clothes

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Make a paste of warm water and sugar and apply to grass-stained clothing, let sit for an hour (or longer for tougher stains) and then wash as usual.

10. Prevent cheese mould

If you store cheese in an airtight container with a few sugar cubes, it will stay fresh longer.

11. Calm down spicy food

Put too much spice in your dish? Add a little sugar to even it out. And if your mouth is on fire, pop a teaspoon on your tongue.